Monday, June 13, 2011

Madder tours Confederation College

Confederation College's incoming President is getting ready for his first day on the job.  Jim Madder toured the Thunder Bay campus on Monday and spoke with its staff about what they expect from him.  He's fresh off his experience as the Vice President of Alberta's Red Deer College.  Madder says he has a number of goals that involve bettering the communities the college serves.  His first day of work is Canada Day.

Missing teen returns home

City Police say that a 15 year old boy reported missing over the weekend, is fine.  They say that Frankie Lachinette, who disappeared on May 29th, has returned home. 

Consultant advises due diligence over multi-plex

A former consultant for the City of Thunder Bay doesn't want to be drawn into a location debate for our proposed multi-plex arena. However, John Winter says a location in the downtown north core would have its advantages. It would be able to draw people to the downtown and be an advantage for many businesses. Winter advises our decision makers should weigh out the pros and cons of all locations carefully.

Hudak cancels visit to T.Bay

The leader of the Progressive Conservative Party isn't going to be speaking to party faithfuls on Friday.  Tim Hudak had been scheduled to speak this week but has since postponed his trip to the region.

Angler's body found

The OPP Marine Unit has located the body of a missing American angler. The body of 69-year-old Richard Hermann of Illinois was located on shore in the Morson area on Lake of the Woods on Sunday. Hermann and a second man went missing on May 23rd when they went out fishing in a 16-foot boat. The body of 73-year-old James Wealther was found on May 24th.

Mining forum Tuesday

Thunder Bay is hosting a mining forum Tuesday.  Co-Chair Michael Fox says it will bring together First Nations, companies and the Provincial Government.  A spokesperson for the Province will be providing an update on changes being made to mining act regulations.

CEDC appoints Mining Manager

The City's Economic Development Commission has appointed a Mining Services Project Manager.  John Mason has 36 years of service with the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.  Mason's first day on the job was Monday.

Thunder Bay looks good for an AHL franchise

Thunder Bay remains an attractive spot for a potential AHL team according to an NHL executive.  However, Craig Heisinger of the new Winnipeg franchise stopped short of saying we might be considered if the new St. John's team doesn't do well after 3 years.

Bush fire threatens homes near Murrilo

Oliver Paipoonge residents will be hoping for a day without smoke today.  A Bush fire was spreading through the area near the tracks near Murrilo yesterday afternoon and was threatening some homes.  MNR water bombers were brought in to help the situation and no one was injured.

Fatal collision claims three

A tragic two vehicle collision has left a man, woman and child dead.  OPP officials say a car collided head on with transport truck just east of Upsala yesterday evening at about 6:10.  The driver of the transport truck wasn't hurt and the names of the deceased have not been released.  The man was 20 years old, the woman 18 years old and the child was only 11 months old.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Bright future at new Mary J.L. Black library

It's all smiles at the new Mary J.L. Black Library. The newly built library received $1.4 million dollars each from the Provincial and Federal Government. Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro and Councilor Joe Virdiramo were in attendance and say they are very proud of the new location. Talks are already beginning about the possibility of a new library opening in the County Park area.

Garage fire on McLaughlin St.

Thunder Bay firefighters made short work of a garage fire that erupted around 2:30 AM, Sunday morning on McLaughlin St. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. No severe damage was done and no injuries were reported. This marks the second garage fire in Thunder Bay in the past 2 weeks.

Police catch car thief

A 21 year old Thunder Bay man will appear in video court Sunday morning after being charged with attempted theft, mischief and possession of break in instruments. Police caught the man at 199 Academy Drive in a van which he was attempting to steal. Officers say there were several other damaged vehicles of which he was trying to take.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Announcement at Mary J.L Black library

The Provincial Government is expected to make an important infrastructure announcement at the Mary J L Black Library today. Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro will be joined at the event by Councillor Joe Virdiramo.

Police search for missing teen

Thunder Bay police are looking for assistance finding missing 15 year old Frankie Lachinette. Lachinette is described as 5'4'', 140 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with further information is asked to contact police.

Friday, June 10, 2011

A meeting to end long meetings

City Councillors will be meeting soon to talk about how to shorten up their long meetings.   Last Monday's Council meeting ended around midnight which is unacceptable according to Councillor Rebecca Johnson. She hopes some sort of solution can be found to an issue which has been a pet peeve of hers. Johnson says the City Clerks office is trying to arrange for a special council meeting to address the problem.

T BAY man wins 75 grand

Thunder Bay's Keith MacMillan is 75 thousand dollars richer after playing THE OLG's Instant Pac Man game.  The 76 year old grandfather of 11 says he'll use the money to buy a new car.

Hiker unhurt after being lost

A 23 year old Thunder Bay woman is safe after being lost in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park overnight. OPP Sgt. Dan Peters says she was reported missing by her hiking companion around 9 o'clock Thursday night.  Police then called the Emergency Response Team into action and within several hours the woman was found on one of the hiking trails, cold but otherwise not hurt.

Chamber hands out scholarships

Three Thunder Bay teens will be sharing 500 dollars from the Chamber of Commerce.  The Chamber awarded the scholarships to Brooke Barritt, Kaitlyn Hindman and Kailey Trodd.

No AHL team for Thunder Bay...yet

Thunder Bay is out of the running to becoming the new home of the Manitoba Moose, at least for now.  True North Sports and Entertainment is announcing today that St Johns Newfoundland will be the new home of the AHL team for a 3 year trial period.  Officials with True North say after the three years the team will be re-evaluated.